The Use and Need of the Life of Carry A. NationNation, Carry Amelia
History
The Use and Need of the Life of Carry A. Nation
Nation, Carry Amelia
Nation, Carry Amelia, 1846-1911; Social reformers -- United States -- Biography; Temperance -- United States
"Signs may threaten, men may warn him;
Babies cry and women coax;
But he cares not one iota,
For he calmly smokes and smokes.
Oh, he cares not whom he strangles,
Vexes, puts to flight, provokes;
And although they squirm and fidget,
He just smokes and smokes and smokes.
"Not a place is sacred to him;
Churchyards, where the flowers bloom;
Gardens, drives, in fact the world is
Just one mighty smoking room,
And when once he quits this mundane sphere,
And takes his outward flight,
From the world he made a hades,
Day he's turned to murky night.
"When he reaches his destination,
Finds 'tis not a dream or hoax,
And the Judge deals out his sentence,
Then I'll wager that he smokes;
Oh, he'll care then whom he has vexed,
And their mercy he'll invoke;
But although he squirms and fidgets,
They'll just let him smoke and smoke and smoke."
CHAPTER XXI.
TRIP ON FALL RIVER STEAMBOAT, FROM BOSTON TO NEW YORK--OFFICERS TRIED
TO LOCK ME IN MY STATE ROOM--SEQUEL SATISFACTORY, MADE PLEASANT
TRIP AND MANY FRIENDS.
In the summer of 1903 I took a Fall River boat from Boston to New
York. These boats are said to be the finest in the world. There was
quite a commotion among the several hundred passengers when I went
aboard, and the door was blocked in the women's cabin to get a look at
the Crazy Smasher from Kansas.
Men were smoking pipes, cigars and cigarettes. I said: "Men, get away
from the door with your smoke, you make me sick." They paid no attention
to me. I went to the clerk and complained of being compelled to
submit to the outrage of being subject to the poisonous fumes, in such
a manner as to attract the attention of all to the matter. The Clerk told
me to be quiet and sit down. I said, "I will, if I have a decent place to
stay, why do you not have these men get away from the door?" But
they were men, we were only women and children. Oh, the outrage on
poor mothers in delicate condition, to be subject to such treatment by
selfish, dirty men. I believe every one who smokes in a public place
should be fined. If men will smoke or commit nuisance, let it be where
others are not injured. I have no right to bring a skunk into any public
place. People should be taught that others have the right to object to
anything done that is wrong.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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